Improvements in pipeline networks

Abstract

A pipeline network includes at least one housing comprising a riser and a pipeline connector, the housing adapted to receive a device configured to interact with fluid flowing through the pipeline connector. The riser is provided with a riser closure member that is attachable removably to the riser, and a seal adapted to provide a fluid tight seal between the riser and the riser closure member.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A pipeline network including at least one housing comprising a riser and a pipeline connector, the housing adapted to receive a device configured to interact with fluid flowing through the pipeline connector, the device removable from the housing, the riser provided with a riser closure member that is attachable removably to the riser, and a seal adapted to provide a fluid tight seal against egress of fluid from the pipeline connector via the riser wherein the at least one housing has attached thereto a selected one of the device and the riser closure member. 
     
     
         30 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the riser closure member comprises an insert that is removably attachable to the riser. 
     
     
         31 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the insert is shaped and dimensioned such that the riser is closed to the pipeline and the fluid pathway through the pipeline connector is similar to the shape and dimension of the opening when fully open of a fully open valve suitable for deployment in the pipeline network. 
     
     
         32 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the riser includes a riser foot which opens up into the pipeline connector. 
     
     
         33 . A pipeline network according to claim  4 , wherein the riser closure member includes a blanking element. 
     
     
         34 . A pipeline network according to claim  5 , wherein the blanking element is configured to close off the foot of the riser. 
     
     
         35 . A pipeline network according to claim  6 , wherein a seal is provided between the blanking element and the wall of the housing at the foot of the riser. 
     
     
         36 . A pipeline network according to claim  5 , wherein the blanking element extends into the pipeline connector. 
     
     
         37 . A pipeline network according to claim  8 , wherein the blanking element provides an opening the shape and dimensions of which correspond to the shape and dimensions of the opening of a fully open shut off valve suitable for deployment in the pipeline network. 
     
     
         38 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein a mounting means is provided for releasably mounting one of the device and the riser closure member in the riser and the seal is a seal means situated between an inner surface of the riser and an outer surface of the mounting means, the mounting means and the riser each including a part of a locking means for releasably locking the device in the riser. 
     
     
         39 . A pipeline network according to claim  10 , wherein the device is situated in the pipeline connector. 
     
     
         40 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the mounting means provides for one of the blanking element and the device to be a selected one of: removed from and introduced into, the housing with the pipeline under pressure. 
     
     
         41 . A pipeline network according to claim  11 , wherein the mounting means comprises a casing, the casing mounting one part of the locking means, and first and second seal means, wherein the first seal means provides a seal between the outer surface of the casing and the inner surface of the riser, and the second seal means is situated between the outer surface of casing and the inner surface of the pipeline connector. 
     
     
         42 . A pipeline network according to claim  13 , wherein the outer surface of the casing and the inner surface of the pipeline connector correspond in shape in the region of the second seal means. 
     
     
         43 . A pipeline network according to claim  13 , wherein the casing includes an opening and the second seal means is mounted around the opening between the casing and the pipeline connector, the opening providing a fluid pathway through the pipeline connector. 
     
     
         44 . A pipeline network according to claim  13 , wherein the casing includes an end member so shaped and dimensioned as to fit in a recess located in the pipeline connector. 
     
     
         45 . A pipeline network according to claim  13 , wherein the casing comprises a first casing part and a second casing part, the first casing part mounting the at least one sensor and the second casing part situated in the riser above the first casing part. 
     
     
         46 . A pipeline network according to claim  17 , wherein the part of the locking means located in the mounting means is situated in the second casing part. 
     
     
         47 . A pipeline network according to claim  17 , wherein the mounting means comprises a casing part connector located between the first and second casing parts, which first and second casing parts are each attached to the casing part connector. 
     
     
         48 . A pipeline network according to claim  11 , wherein the device is mounted in an instrument housing, which housing is attached to the mounting means. 
     
     
         49 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the mounting means includes a fishing neck. 
     
     
         50 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a coupling configured to attach to the mounting means and to receive a closure cap thereon. 
     
     
         51 . A pipeline network according to claim  1  and wherein at least one housing is configured for attachment of a bonnet thereto. 
     
     
         52 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , the pipeline network comprising a multiplicity of housings. 
     
     
         53 . The pipeline network according to claim  1 , including at least one bonnet valve providing for shut off of a part of the pipeline network. 
     
     
         54 . A pipeline network according to claim  1 , wherein the riser closure member is instrumented and connected with communication means, for example using a mobile phone network or the internet.